Denham Capital Management appoints Louis Van Pletsen to head new London office

Dr. Louis van Pletsen earned a MBA in 1991 from the University of Notre Dame

Denham Capital Management LP ("Denham Capital"), a $2.3 billion private equity fund manager focused on energy and commodities, today announced that it has established a London office and has hired Dr. Louis van Pletsen as Managing Director to head the new office, beginning October 1, 2007. Dr. van Pletsen’s primary responsibilities will include origination of transactions in Europe, Russia/CIS, Asia, the Middle East and Africa.

“Louis is a seasoned energy and commodities investor and we are thrilled to welcome him to the Denham team,” said Stu Porter, Managing Partner of Denham Capital. “With more than twenty years of experience in the energy sector, in both developed and emerging economies, we are confident in Louis’ ability to lead the London office and look forward to his many contributions as we enter this exciting phase for Denham. The establishment of a London office is a first step in our plans to expand Denham’s reach, capitalizing on our successful U.S. platform by developing our capabilities in various international markets.”

Dr. van Pletsen added, “I am excited to join the talented professionals at Denham and look forward to the opportunity to build upon their success internationally.”

Most recently, from 2004, Dr. van Pletsen served as Managing Director, Global Markets and Head of the International Energy Group at Nomura International in London, responsible for marketing structured finance, asset finance and capital markets capabilities to the broader energy and commodities sectors. Prior to this, he led continental European origination of utility transactions for a global client list at Credit Suisse First Boston (CSFB). From 1993 to 1997, Dr. van Pletsen was head of international business development in London for Eskom, Africa’s largest utility. He began his career at the Industrial Development Corporation of South Africa in 1986, a premier investment house where for seven years he was responsible for corporate investment strategy across a wide range of manufacturing and service sectors. Louis holds a Doctorate in Economics from Rand University (S.A.), an MCom from Free State University (S.A.), an MBA from Notre Dame University (U.S.A.), a Higher Diploma in Company Law from Wits University (S.A.) and an ADP from London Business School (U.K.).